Plastic{ky} Situation

I could feel my BP rising as I listened to Max Lugavere (my favorite health and science journalist and Genius Life podcast host) talk about BPA...

You may have seen this abbreviation recently, most probably on a water bottle or canned food label. BPA is short for Bisphenol A, a commonly used chemical compound used to create hard plastics. These can be found in food storage containers, plastic cutlery, the lining of cans, plastic bottles (including baby bottles), writing utensils and furniture. But that's not what this chemical was originally intended to do. This may shock you...

In the early 1900's, scientists were researching hormone replacement for women to reduce symptoms of menopause and alleviate menstrual cramps. Edward Dodds, a researcher at the University of London discovered such a chemical that seemed to mimic the hormone estrogen, bisphenol A. Before BPA had the chance to make it onto the market as a drug, scientists discovered a far more powerful and effective compound known as DES (diethylstilbestrol). Sub-sequentially BPA had been found to have an alternative use as a chemical component to creating a new inexpensive material that is hard and durable, yet clear and flexible, easy to clean and heat resistant; enter plastic. BPA then entered the manufacturing market, challenging traditional materials like steel and glass, and replacing them in cars, packaging, furniture and more. DES was finally banned in the 1970's because of its profound and damaging consequences for women...yet BPA perseveres...

But research is showing this miracle compound to be a real health risk, even though the FDA argues its safety and policy makers have altogether ignored its toxic effects. Bisphenols are a major proponent of endocrine disruption, affecting everything from fat storage in the body, various mental states, and your predisposition for disease. (The endocrine system influences nearly every aspect of your life through its messengers, known as hormones, like insulin, cortisol, thyroid, testosterone, and estrogen. I'll take us on a deeper dive into this most influential system at a later date.) We now know it can leach its way into food and beverage, and can enter our bodies through our skin as well. On top of being found in food storage containers and water bottles, companies now use it (and similar chemical compounds called phthalates which have the same endocrine disrupting abilities) in the making of electronics, apparel, carpet, and even store register receipts. That is probably the reason that today, more than 93% of people have measurable amounts of bisphenols found in their urine.

Over time these chemicals can have significant effects on our body, leading to a host of health problems like weight gain and metabolic disease, early puberty in adolescents, endometriosis and infertility in women, immune disorders, certain cancers, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). You may feel like it's a bit impossible to avoid contact with all the items these compounds are knows to be found in. Luckily for us, our bodies own detoxification pathways promote the quick dissipation of some of these endocrine disrupting substances. None the less, here are a few ways you can reduce exposure and have meaningful impact as your system works hard to remedy and sustain hormonal harmony:

*Avoid microwaving or heating food in plastic. This includes hot environments like the dishwasher, your car, and the sun.

*Minimize consumption of food and beverage sold in plastic containers. Reduce the usage of plastic cutlery, cups, and straws. The environment will appreciate it too!

*Eat home more often and replace plastic storage containers with glass or ceramic for leftovers. Toss any containers visibly beginning to degrade.

* Avoid fragranced products including laundry detergents, fabric softeners and fresheners, and some personal care products. Instead look for fragrance free or products scented naturally with plant-based essential oils.

*Minimize consumption of canned convenience food and drinks. Remove canned soda, canned alcoholic beverages, and canned meats or vegetables as much as possible. Acidic foods like tomatoes or processed pre-packaged "meals" (spaghettios, easy mac and cheese, ect) tend to be more likely to leach these chemicals.

*Pass on the receipt. If you do need it, wash your hands soon after.

Increasing consumer concern has led many manufacturers to remove these chemicals from their products and label them "BPA free". However, that does NOT mean they are free from related compounds that likely have similar effects on the body.

For more information on how these chemicals affect us and options to avoid them, here are a few great resources to check out!

"The Genius Life" by Max Lugavere

"Plastic: A Toxic Love Story" by Susan Freinkel

"The Endocrine Disruptors, a Plastic Epidemic" by David Lefavor

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/221205#hazards

https://www.livescience.com/63592-bpa-free-plastic-dangers.html